Reading about fictional characters

5-6-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

When we read about fictional characters, sometimes their religion is not made clear but their mannerisms resemble that of non-Muslims. Is it obligatory that we consider them Muslims in our mind? Because when I try to imagine them as Muslims, I think that because of their traits, they do not deserve to be attributed to the great religion of Islam. Moreover, I then think that even if they are Muslims, their actions do not match those of the Muslims, and then I feel really uneasy about reading the book. Is this wrong?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

There is no religious ruling on fictional characters in terms of their belief or disbelief, and you should not think about this or ask about it because it does not lead to doing good deeds and it has no effect on reality.

As for reading such fictional stories, it is permissible if they include a benefit, such as the promotion of moral values and the like, and they are void of Shariah violations such as disbelief or the like of sins.

Allah knows best.